California Environmental Quality Act: infill development.
The key provisions of SB 445 stipulate that residential projects must meet specific criteria to qualify for exemption from CEQA requirements, including being located on an infill site not exceeding four acres, containing no more than 100 residential units, and being situated within half a mile of major transit stops. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of affordable housing by mandating that a certain percentage of units be sold or rented to low and moderate-income families. This legislative change is expected to encourage the development of more housing units in urban locations, addressing housing shortages while promoting higher-density living environments.
Senate Bill 445, introduced by Senator Gaines, amends Section 21159.24 of the Public Resources Code, which pertains to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The bill seeks to streamline the application process for residential projects located on infill sites within urbanized areas. Specifically, it establishes exemption criteria for these projects from certain CEQA requirements, provided they meet established conditions, thus aiming to facilitate faster housing development in areas where infrastructure is already in place.
Nevertheless, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the implications of this bill. While proponents argue that easing environmental reviews will expedite housing construction, others may worry about the potential for environmental impacts due to reduced oversight. The use of exemptions based on density and proximity to transit stops, while intended to promote sustainable urban development, could provoke debate over balancing growth with environmental protections. The risks associated with minimizing the environmental review process, particularly in ecologically sensitive or densely populated areas, are likely to be significant points of contention in further discussions regarding this bill.